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  3. Policies / Plans / Guidelines

Policies / Plans / Guidelines

Transportation Plan for Excessive Heat

 

A thermometer shows a high temperature, with the mercury rising above 30 degrees Celsius.

When it is determined by Transportation and Administration that it is an excessive heat day the following steps are to be followed. The largest concern is the afternoons and these steps are aimed at that time of day.

  • Buses (as room allows) will be parked under a covered area during the day. Non-air conditioned buses will be given priority.
  • Air conditioned buses will be allowed to start earlier than normal in order to cool the inside of the bus.
  • Non-air conditioned buses will be equipped with an ice chest, water and wash cloths.
  • Monitors and drivers have been briefed on the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Bus Idling Policy

Section 00.000 Idling School Bus Diesel Engine at School and/or School Events

  • This policy seeks to limit unnecessary idling of school buses to reduce student and driver exposure to diesel exhaust and improve fuel economy.

  • In this section “idling” means allowing an engine to run while the motor vehicle is not engaged in forward or reverse motion.

  • This policy applies to diesel school buses being operated for the purpose of transporting students to or from school or a school event in a vehicle that is:

    (1) Owned and operated by the school district: or

    (2) Otherwise contracted for use by the school district to transport students.

  • Except as provided by subsection (e), the driver of a school bus equipped with a diesel engine may not allow the idling of the bus engine while the bus is parked at school or a school event.

  • The limitations provided in subsection (d) do not apply for the period or periods during which idling is necessary under the following circumstances:

    Weather. Limit the idling time of a school bus to the minimum time necessary to heat or cool the bus before departure, prohibited that the engine is turned off when the students get on or off the bus at a school or event.

    Traffic. Exceptions to idiling of a school bus diesel engine include normal traffic situations or other traffic related circumstances including:

    Traffic conditions over which the driver has no control:

    • An official traffic control device or signal: and
    • Directions or commands from a uniformed policed officer or another person otherwise authorized to direct traffic.
    • Turbo-charged Diesel Engine Cool down or Warm-up. Limit the idling of a turbocharged school bus diesel engine to the manufactures specifications for required cool down or a warm-up period.


    Safety of Children and Emergencies. Limited idling of a school bus diesel engine is allowed during emergency situations or other situations involving.

    • Use of lift equipment during loading or unloading children with one or more disabilities.
    • Use of a heater or an air conditioner during loading, unloading or transport of children with exceptional needs.
    • Use of defrosters, heater, air conditioners, or other equipment for safety or health considerations;
    • Use of the bus headlights or four-way flasher warning lights for visibility purpose; or
    • For other traffic, safety or emergency situations.

  • Idling of a school bus diesel engine is not prohibited to charge a battery of a school bus, or for testing to otherwise verify that the bus is in safe operating condition as part of the daily pre-trip vehicle inspection, or as otherwise required.